learn about the optional rawatib prayers

THE RAWATIB PRAYERSA TYPE OF OPTIONAL PRAYER

2015 TJ HOMESCHOOLING 1

WHY SHOULD WE PRAYER OPTIONAL PRAYERS?

We are commanded to pray 5 obligatory prayers each day.

Many stop at those and do not pray optional prayers.

While we will not be punished for not praying the optional prayers, we will be rewarded for

praying them, in shaa Allah.

Source: Alifta.net

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2015 TJ HOMESCHOOLING

http://alifta.net/Search/ResultDetails.aspx?languagename=en&lang=en&view=result&fatwaNum=&FatwaNumID=&ID=80&searchScope=24&SearchScopeLevels1=&SearchScopeLevels2=&highLight=1&SearchType=exact&SearchMoesar=false&bookID=&LeftVal=0&RightVal=0&simple=&SearchCriteria=allwords&PagePath=&siteSection=1&searchkeyword=097098097110100111110105110103032114097119097116105098#firstKeyWordFound

WHAT ARE THE RAWATIB PRAYERS?

One type of optional prayer are the Rawatib prayers (also known as the Sunnah Mu’akkadah).

These are 12 Rakaat of optional everyday prayers that are associated with the obligatory prayers.

The Rawatib which the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to preserve are twelve Rakats, these are the Rawatib;

for the resident not the traveler.

Twelve Rakats;

four before Thur prayer with two tasleems,

and two after Thur prayer; this is six.

Two after Magrib prayer and two after Isha prayer; this is ten.

And two before the morning (Fajr) prayer; this is twelve.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to practice these consistently while present at his residence. And he, peace be upon him, said:

“Whoever preserves four Rakats before Thur and four after it, Allah will make him forbidden for the Fire.”Source: Sunnah Prayers Explained

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WHAT ARE THE RAWATIB PRAYERS?

To sum up, the twelve rakaat are:

Obligatory

Optional Rakaat

Before

This Prayer

Optional Rakaat

After

This Prayer

Fajr 2 0

Dhuhr 2 + 2 2

Asr 0 0

Maghrib 0 2

Ishaa 0 2


As you can see, there are no Rawatib prayers associated with Salaatul Asr, but there is a sunan

(optional recommended) prayer for Suratul Asr, which we will learn about at another time, in

shaa Allah.

Obligatory

Optional Rakaat

Before

This Prayer

Optional Rakaat

After

This Prayer

Fajr 2 0

Dhuhr 2 + 2 2

Asr 0 0

Maghrib 0 2

Ishaa 0 2


WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF PRAYING THE RAWATIB PRAYERS?


1. OBSERVANCE OF FULFILLING THESE OPTIONAL PRAYERS IS A

MEANS FOR GAINING ADMISSION TO PARADISE.

The Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be on him, said

(which means):

"Whoever prays optionally twelve rakaat every one day and

night,

Allah will reward him by an established dwelling in the

paradise.


2. SUPEREROGATORY PRAYERS PERFECT THE OBLIGATORY

PRAYER!

Source: Alifta.net via AbdurRahman.org82015 TJ HOMESCHOOLING

http://abdurrahman.org/salah/fatawa/pdf/pc-2/2295.pdf

These established Sunnah (supererogatory) Salahs hold great benefit and observing them

regularly is one of the reasons for entering Jannah and being saved from Hellfire, provided one

performs the Faridahs and abstains from forbidden things.

They are supererogatory and not obligatory; however, as stated in the Hadith, they complete any

lack in the obligatory Salahs and are means of attaining the Love of Allah.

Observing them means copying the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Hence, a believer should be as keen to observe them as the Prophet (peace be upon him) was,

along with observing Salat-ul-Duha (supererogatory Prayer before noon), Tahajjud (optional late

night Prayer), and Witr (Prayer with an odd number of units).

Therefore, a Muslim should strive to perform all these supererogatory Salahs.

Source: Alifta.net – Al Sunan Al Rawatib



Any believer observing the obligations and abandoning things forbidden is to be looked

upon as upright and trustworthy. Yet, it is characteristic of the believer who has

complete Iman (Faith) to compete in offering Al-Sunan Al-Rawatib as well as hastening

to all that is good. Thus, the believer will become of those who are close to Allah.

Al-Sunan Al-Rawatib and other supererogatory acts of worship are signs of perfect Iman

and are characteristic of those who are ahead in good deeds.

Supererogatory acts of worship are not a condition for being righteous or for being a

believer. Rather, they are of the things that make one’s faith perfect and result in great

good and the doubling of reward. They are means for entering Jannah with the close Slaves of Allah.

Source: Alifta.net102015 TJ HOMESCHOOLING


Now, let’s take a look at the individual Rawatib prayers.

Those related to:

Fajr

Thuhr

Maghrib

Ishaa


THE SUNNAH FOR THE FAJR PRAYER

From Ayesha -Radi Allaahu anha-

of Sunnah fowho said:

‘The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi

wa sallam-

was not more concerned and did

not pay attention to any of the

optional prayers

like he did for the two Rakat for

the Fajr prayer.’


From Aishah -Radi Allaahu anha- who said from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- that

he said about the two Rakat when the Fajr prayer time comes in:

‘They are more beloved to me than the Dunyaa and everything that is in it.’


Abu Àbdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu'adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu’alayhi wa sallam) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and Àishah (May Allah be pleased

with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright.

Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As-Salat.

When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: Àishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright.

You also came out late.

Upon that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "I was engaged in performing two Rakàh of Fajr prayer.''

Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: "O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright.'' He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied,

"Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rakàh of prayer in an excellent manner.''

[Abu Dawud].

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WHAT THE MESSENGER -SALLALLAAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM- WOULD RECITE IN THE TWO RAKAH FOR THE SUNNAH OF THE FAJR PRAYER

From Ibn Umar that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to

recite in the two Rakat for Fajr, and two Rakat after Maghrib prayer:

<<Say to these O Al-Kafiroon >>

&

<<Say: He is Allaah, (the) One.>>

(He would sometimes recite other ayaatas well.)


RECOMMENDATION TO PRAY THE TWO RAKAH AT HOME

Abu Tayeeb al-Atheem-a-Baadi said:

‘It is better to pray the two Rakah at home, because the optional pray at home is of a more

complete status and has more reward than praying it in the Masjid. This is affirmed from

the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- from his actions and his statements.

As for his actions, is that the Prophet -sallAllaahualayhi wa sallam- used to pray them a lot of the

time in his home, as has been mentioned in narrations from Ibn Umar, Ibn Abbas, Ayesha

and others from the Companions. Actually it has not been affirmed that he performed them in

the Masjid.

‘If one of you has completed the prayer in his Masjid, then he should make a portion of his prayer for the house, since indeed Allaah will place

goodness in his home from his prayer.’


LYING DOWN ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE AFTER THE TWO RAKAHSUNNAH OF THE FAJR

The Hadeeth of Ayesha, collected by Bukharithat she said:

‘The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to lie down on his right side after praying two Rakats [Sunnah] of Fajr.’

(Laying down after the Sunnah prayer for Fajr is not done in the masjid)

Source: The Sunnah for the Fajr Prayer


http://abdurrahman.org/salah/the-sunnah-for-the-fajr-prayer.html

PRAYING TWO RAKAH SUNNAH FOR THE FAJR PRAYER AFTER THE OBLIGATORY PRAYER IF YOU CANNOT PRAY BEFORE IT

Shaykh Muhammad Bazmool said:

‘Whoever misses the two Rakah [Sunnah] of the Fajr prayer

It is legislated for the person who misses the two Rakah of Fajr, that he can then pray them directly after the obligatory prayer or after the sun has risen, and what is better is

to pray them after the sun has risen.

From Abu Hurairah -RadiAllaahu anhu- who said the Messenger of Allaah said:‘Whoever did not pray the two Rakah [Sunnah] of Fajr; then he should pray them after the sun has risen.’[19]


SUNNAH OF THE DHUHR PRAYER

Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased

with them) reported: I performed

with the Messenger of Allah

(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two

Rak`ah before and two after Zuhr

prayers.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Àishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi

wa sallam) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rakàh (supererogatory prayer) before

Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would

then come back and perform two Rakàh (supererogatory prayer)

Some Ahadith state that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rakàh before

and two after Zuhr prayer. The present Hadith says that he used to perform four Rakàh before

Zuhr prayer. Both narrations are correct and can be followed according to conditions and

circumstances.

Source: Imam Al-Nawawi's Riyad-us-Saliheen, http://abdurrahman.org/seerah/riyad/08/chap199.htm


http://abdurrahman.org/seerah/riyad/index.html

http://abdurrahman.org/seerah/riyad/08/chap199.htm

Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu’alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ah before Zuhrprayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Ahadith mean that a person who follows this course of practice, will die as a

and will not remain in Hell for ever like the Kuffar (infidels) unless Allah has forgiven all his sins for him and would, as a result, save him from Fire altogether. That is, Almighty Allah will not let him live in Hell for ever. According to some Ahadith, the fire of Hell will not touch him, which also amounts to saying that he will not be kept in Hell for all eternity. If a Muslim is liable to punishment, his stay in Hell - for a few days or weeks or months depending on the nature of his sins - is not a contravention of such Ahadith because he will ultimately be released from Hell and brought to Jannah. "Allah will shield him against the Fire'' should not be taken to mean that a Muslim will not be sent to Hell no matter what he does. If Almighty Allah does not forgive him in the very first instance, he will have to suffer the torment of Hell as long as He would like and then he will be sent to Jannah

Source: Imam Al-Nawawi's Riyad-us-Saliheen



THE SUNNAH OF THE MAGHRIB PRAYER

It was usual with the Companions of the Prophet

(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to perform two

Rak`ah before Maghrib in the Prophet's mosque.

But in spite of this fact these are Sunnah Ghair

Mu'akkadah while the two performed after the

Salat are Sunnah Mu'akkadah.


THE SUNNAH OF THE ISHAA PRAYER

[Ibn Ùmar (May Allah be pleased with them)

has narrated that he performed two Rakàh

after the Fard prayer of Ìsha' with the Prophet

(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).

Source; Imam Al-Nawawi's Riyad-us-Saliheenhttp://abdurrahman.org/seerah/riyad/08/chap202.htm



http://abdurrahman.org/seerah/riyad/08/chap202.htm

WHAT IF WE MISS ONE OF THE RAWATIB PRAYERS, CAN WE

MAKE THEM UP?

And if the person misses the Sunnah prayer for Fajr he prays

them after the Fajr prayer or after the sun has risen.

As for the other Rawatib, for Thuhr, Maghrib, and Ishaa, then

they are not made up after the time has passed; if the time

passed they are not made up. Therefore one would not

make up the Sunnah prayers for Thur after Asr, nor the

Sunnah prayers for Maghrib after Isha, nor the Sunnah

prayers for Isha after Fajr. These prayers are not made up.

As for the Sunnah prayer for Fajr then it is made up. If he

prays it after the Fajr prayer then there is no problem with

this. And if he prays it after the sun has risen and reached its

height then this is better.

Source: Sunnah Prayers Explained, Shaykh Bin Baz


http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2012/08/18/sunnah-prayers-explained-shaykh-bin-baz-rahimahullaah-must-read/

ADVICE TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT PRAYING ANY NAWAFIL

PRAYERS

QUESTION :

What is your advice to someone who has stopped praying the Sunnah prayers in the daytime

and does not pray anything at night?


ANSWER by Shaykh Muhammad ‘Umar Baazmool, instructor at Umm Al-Quraa University in

Makkah

There is nothing more outstanding as advice than the hadeeth of the Messenger (sallallaahu

‘alayhe wa sallam), when he said:

"The very first thing a servant will be asked about on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. If it is

found to be deficient, then it will be said, ‘Doesn’t he have any optional prayers?’ If it is found

that he has optional prayers, then they will fill the void, and thus his prayers will be accepted, and

the rest of his deeds will also be accepted." [1]

And the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) was asked about a dream that Ibn Umar had,

so he (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

"What a good man ‘Abdullaah ibn Umar is, so long as he prays at night." [2]

So then consistently praying the optional prayers, the most important of them being the Witr

prayer and the (12) Sunnahs throughout the day and night, is from the most important of all affairs

to the Muslim. This is because you, O Muslim, by way of them, compensate for the lapses found in

your obligatory prayers…..(cont’d)26


And the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) clarified in a hadeeth that a man may pray but he may only be credited with half of it, another may pray but only be credited with one third of it, and another may pray but only be credited with one fourth of it… [3]

The meaning is that it often occurs that the people have shortcomings in their prayers, while it is obligatory to offer them, completing them perfectly. So have you actually offered all of your prayers completely and perfectly according to the Sharee’ah?

So then you must take care to consistently offer optional prayers, you must take care to consistently offer the Witr prayer, you must take care to offer the other optional prayers consistently. It has been related that Imaam Ahmad said about the one who does not consistently pray the Witr prayer, "He is an evil man, his witness is not to be accepted."

So how could a Muslim who has no work keeping him from his worship become lazy and then abandon these (optional) prayers. No doubt, he has caused himself to lose a great amount of good, and to miss an opportunity to obtain tremendous virtues, while being free to do them and try to keep consistency in offering them…….(cont’d)


….I ask Allaah to excuse us and him, and to be gracious.

There is a hadeeth of the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam):

"May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak’ahs) before ‘Asr prayer." [4]

When you do not pray this prayer, four rak’ahs before the ‘Asr prayer, you have prevented your own self from being included in those whom the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) supplicated for, those who pray this prayer.

The Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

"Whoever consistenly prays twelve rak’ahs throughout the day and night, a palace will be built for him in Paradise." [5]

When you abandon the rawaatib prayers, and you do not pray these twelve rak’ahs, you have deprived your own self from this virtue.

Most of the optional prayers have great virtues attached to them, described by the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam). So then, O Muslim, how can you lose out, how can you not be concerned about it?

And Allaah knows best.http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2009/08/13/advice-to-those-who-are-not-praying-any-

nawaafil-prayers/28


http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2009/08/13/advice-to-those-who-are-not-praying-any-nawaafil-prayers/

THE END

For a listing of works that were used in this presentation, please visit the link, Articles about the

Rawatib prayers, found at http://tjhomeschooling.blogspot.com/2015/03/optional-salat-

rawatib-prayers.html

2015 TJ HOMESCHOOLING 29

http://tjhomeschooling.blogspot.com/2015/03/optional-salat-rawatib-prayers.html

learn about the optional rawatib prayers

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